The Israeli army says troops launched ground assaults in the Daraj and Tuffah neighbourhoods in Gaza City overnight, Al Jazeera reports.

In a statement on Telegram, the army said the incursion is intended to “enhance the security control in the area, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, and expand the security zone”.

The announcement comes after Israel said it entirely encircled the southern Rafah area, cutting it off from the rest of the Gaza Strip.